The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has today announced a new ambition to reduce the rate of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths in England by 50 per cent by 2030. Read our chief executive's response.

The number of brain injuries occurring during or soon after birth will also be targeted as part of a new commitment by the government, in partnership with consultants, midwives and other experts.

The government will work to ensure that best practice is applied consistently across the NHS and that staff can review and learn from every stillbirth and neonatal death.

As part of this ambition, NHS trusts will receive a share of over £4m of government investment to buy brand new digital equipment, such as cardiotocography equipment to monitor a baby’s heartbeat, and provide training and support for health professionals.

Caroline Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss, said: “We welcome today's commitment from the Health Secretary to reduce infant and maternal deaths and brain injuries that occur during or soon after birth.

“While this is a positive step, Bliss' recent report found that neonatal services in England are severely understaffed and overstretched, with 64 per cent of units not having enough nurses. In order to deliver safer care, investment is needed to tackle this critical shortage of staff caring for the sickest babies."